The Bank of England (BoE) has opted to hold its base interest rate at 4.5% in today’s announcement, a move that will influence the property market in Leicester over the coming months.
The base rate has a direct impact on mortgage costs, affecting homebuyers, sellers, and investors alike. While today’s decision to hold rates steady means stability for borrowers, it also raises questions about when rates might start to fall and how this will shape property trends in the short term.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re looking to buy a home, with interest rates unchanged, mortgage rates are likely to remain at current levels for the time being. Lenders may still compete to attract borrowers, so it’s worth speaking to an independent mortgage adviser to find the best deal. First-time buyers and movers may need to consider ongoing affordability concerns, but stable rates provide more certainty when planning a purchase.
If you’re considering selling, buyer confidence is crucial in the property market. While a rate cut might have encouraged more buyers to act quickly, today’s decision signals continued stability. If rates remain unchanged for an extended period, sellers should price their properties realistically to attract serious buyers who are navigating higher borrowing costs.
If you already have a mortgage
Tracker mortgages: These follow the base rate, so, with no change today, your payments remain steady – for now.
Fixed-rate mortgages: If you’re locked into a deal, today’s news won’t affect you until it’s time to remortgage. However, if rates fall later in the year, better deals may become available.
Standard variable rate (SVR) or discount mortgages: Lenders set these rates, often influenced by the Bank of England’s base rate. With rates holding, any changes to SVR mortgages will depend on individual lenders’ decisions.
What This Means for the Property Market
A rate hold doesn’t trigger immediate market movement, but it does offer a period of stability. If inflation continues to ease, the BoE may start cutting rates later in the year, which could boost buyer demand and increase competition for properties. However, if rates remain high for an extended period, concerns about affordability may slow market activity.
The next BoE decision is scheduled for May 8th, and market watchers will be keen to see if economic conditions allow for a long-awaited rate cut.
Also worth noting is the Spring Statement, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver on Wednesday, 26 March.
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